An outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) has struck white-tailed deer across central and southern Maryland, with confirmed or suspected cases reported in multiple counties, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The disease, transmitted by tiny biting midges, is most pronounced in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties, with additional reports in neighboring Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. While often fatal to deer, EHD poses no threat to humans, and Maryland’s robust deer population is expected to recover from localized impacts.
EHD, a naturally occurring viral disease, affects white-tailed deer and occasionally domestic livestock, manifesting annually in Maryland with varying intensity. The DNR has identified this year’s outbreak as significant in the central and southern regions, particularly in the aforementioned counties. The virus, spread through bites from “no-see-ums,” small flying midges, typically surges from mid-August to October. Freezing temperatures, which kill the midges, halt the spread, and the DNR expects the outbreak to subside by late fall.
Symptoms of EHD in deer are stark and distressing. Infected animals often exhibit lethargy, excessive salivation, and a loss of fear of humans. Visible sores, hemorrhaging, or lesions on the mouth and tongue are common, and severe emaciation may occur in deer that survive the initial infection. A hallmark of EHD outbreaks is the discovery of dead or dying deer near water sources in late summer or early fall, as the animals seek relief from fever and dehydration caused by the virus.
The DNR emphasizes that EHD is not transmissible between deer through direct contact, nor can it infect humans via midge bites, handling of deer, or consumption of venison. However, hunters are advised to avoid consuming meat from deer with large, open sores, regardless of the cause, as a precaution. This guidance aligns with standard hunting practices in Southern Maryland, where venison is a staple for many during the fall season.
Maryland’s white-tailed deer population, estimated at over 200,000 based on DNR harvest data, remains healthy despite annual EHD outbreaks. The disease’s impact is typically localized, and deer populations rebound quickly due to their resilience and high reproductive rates. In Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties, where hunting is a cultural and economic driver, the DNR’s monitoring ensures that outbreaks do not disrupt long-term herd management. For context, the 2024-2025 hunting season in these counties saw over 10,000 deer harvested, reflecting a stable population capable of withstanding periodic diseases like EHD.
This outbreak is distinct from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a separate and fatal neurological condition affecting deer in western and central Maryland. Unlike CWD, which requires strict management protocols due to its persistence in the environment, EHD dissipates with the onset of cold weather. The DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service actively tracks both diseases, using hunter reports and field surveys to monitor spread. In 2024, EHD cases were also noted in Southern Maryland, but this year’s concentration in central counties suggests a shift driven by midge populations and weather patterns.
Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in Southern Maryland, particularly in areas like Prince Frederick or Leonardtown, are urged to report sick or freshly dead deer to regional DNR offices rather than disturbing the animals. Contact numbers include the Southern Region office in Annapolis at 410-260-8540. These reports help the DNR map outbreak patterns and assess impacts. For instance, a 2023 EHD outbreak in Anne Arundel County, showed similar symptoms but was less widespread than this year’s cases.
The DNR’s management of EHD reflects its broader wildlife conservation strategy, balancing ecological health with recreational hunting. In Southern Maryland, where public lands like Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area and private farms support robust deer hunting, awareness of EHD ensures hunters can make informed decisions. The disease’s annual recurrence is a reminder of the region’s dynamic ecosystem, where wetlands and forests provide ideal habitats for both deer and midges. Hunters are encouraged to review DNR guidelines on deer diseases to distinguish EHD from other conditions and maintain safe practices.
As the outbreak continues, the DNR advises vigilance but reassures the public that EHD will not affect human health or significantly disrupt Maryland’s deer population. With archery season underway and firearm season approaching, Southern Maryland hunters can proceed with confidence, reporting any unusual sightings to aid in monitoring efforts. The DNR’s proactive communication ensures that communities from Solomons to Waldorf remain informed and engaged in preserving the region’s wildlife legacy.
